Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'slander'

English Word: slander

Key Russian Translations:

• клевета [kliˈvʲetə] - [Formal, Legal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in legal, journalistic, and formal discussions but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and legal vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

клевета: [kliˈvʲetə]

Note on клевета: The stress is on the second syllable ('vʲetə'). Pay attention to the palatalized 'vʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur in different Russian dialects, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The act of making false spoken statements damaging to a person's reputation

Translation(s) & Context:

• клевета - Used in formal or legal contexts to describe spoken defamation, as opposed to written libel.

Usage Examples:

• Он распространяет клевету о своей бывшей жене на работе.

  He is spreading slander about his ex-wife at work.

• Клевета может привести к судебному иску, если она необоснованна.

  Slander can lead to a lawsuit if it is unfounded.

• В обществе клевета часто используется для дискредитации политических оппонентов.

  In society, slander is often used to discredit political opponents.

• Её клевета разрушила его карьеру в компании.

  Her slander destroyed his career in the company.

The false statement itself

Translation(s) & Context:

• клевета - Refers directly to the false statement in spoken form, often in interpersonal or public disputes.

Usage Examples:

• Эта клевета была полностью вымышленной историей.

  This slander was a completely fabricated story.

• Клевета против знаменитости быстро распространилась в интернете.

  Slander against the celebrity spread quickly on the internet.

• Он обвинил её в клевете, но доказательств не было.

  He accused her of slander, but there was no evidence.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

клевета is a feminine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows regular noun declension patterns, which means it changes based on case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • диффамация [dʲifəˈmaʦɨjə] - More formal, often used in legal or academic contexts to imply systematic defamation.
  • очернение [ɐʧʲɪrʲnʲeˈnʲije] - Implies blackening someone's reputation, with a connotation of intentional harm.
• Antonyms:
  • похвала [pɐˈxvaɫə] - Praise or commendation.
  • одобрение [ɐdɐˈbrʲenʲije] - Approval or endorsement.

Related Phrases:

• распространять клевету - To spread slander; often used in contexts of gossip or media.
• обвинить в клевете - To accuse of slander; common in legal disputes.
• клеветнический слух - Slanderous rumor; refers to unsubstantiated talk that damages reputation.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "клевета" specifically refers to spoken defamation, distinguishing it from "клевета в письменной форме" (written slander, akin to libel in English). It is most appropriate in formal, legal, or journalistic contexts. When choosing between translations, use "клевета" for everyday spoken defamation and "диффамация" for more professional settings. Be mindful of Russian's case system; for example, in sentences like "Я слышал клевету," the noun must be in the accusative case. English speakers should note that Russian culture emphasizes direct confrontation, so accusations of slander might escalate quickly in conversations.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "клевета" interchangeably with "ложь" (lie), without considering the reputational damage aspect. Correct: Клевета подразумевает ложь, которая вредна для репутации (Slander implies a lie that harms reputation). Explanation: "Ложь" is a general term for any falsehood, while "клевета" requires intent to harm.
• Mistake: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "Я боюсь клевета" instead of "Я боюсь клеветы" (in genitive case). Correct: Я боюсь клеветы. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with their prepositions and verbs, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and law, slander (клевета) is not just a social faux pas but a criminal offense under Article 128 of the Russian Criminal Code, potentially leading to fines or imprisonment if proven false and damaging. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on protecting personal honor and reputation, rooted in historical traditions from tsarist and Soviet eras, where public accusations could have severe consequences.

Related Concepts:

• осуждение (condemnation)
• дискредитация (discreditation)
• репутация (reputation)